Abstract: Broadly, the present invention is an electrical test apparatus that is adapted to be removably engaged and in electrical communication with an electrical power terminal, the electrical test apparatus includes analytical circuitry that is operative in each of a plurality of modes to monitor the electrical power terminal and produce a plurality of event marker signals. Further included is a criterion circuitry that is operative in each of the plurality of modes to receive each of the plurality of event marker signals for a comparison with a selected value for each of the plurality of modes, wherein the criterion circuitry outputs a plurality of indicator signals each corresponding to one of the plurality of modes. In addition, a structure is included for producing an associated perceptible output in response to each of the plurality of indicator signals.

Abstract: A method of managing a system of minimally invasive surgery. The management method includes providing a practitioner with a minimally invasive surgery system including a controller. One or more use parameters is stored to memory associated with the controller. In addition, an electrosurgical probe having its own memory is provided to mate with the remaining elements of the system. Complementary use parameters are stored in the memory of the probe. The management method also includes communicating and comparing the use parameters of the controller with the complementary use parameters of the probe and managing the use of the electrosurgical probe according to the use parameters.

Abstract: An electrosurgical probe including a probe body which defines a longitudinal probe axis. The electrosurgical probe also includes a first and second conductive electrode, each disposed along the probe axis. The surface area of the first conductive electrode is greater of the surface area of the second conductive electrode. The ratio of the surface area of the first conductive electrode to the surface area of the second conductive electrode may be adjustable. Another aspect of the present invention is an electrosurgical probe having a probe body which defines a single longitudinal probe axis. The electrosurgical probe of this aspect of the invention further includes more than two electrodes operatively disposed at separate and distinct positions along the axis of the probe body. The electrodes may be selectively connected to one of or a combination of a stimulation energy source, an ablation energy source or a ground for either energy source.

Abstract: A method to compress a very large original geographic database down to a manageable and economical size while preserving accuracy is herein described. Similarly, a method to quickly retrieve, decompress, and display data is herein described. An original geographic database is prepared for compression by dividing it into discrete regions called bounding boxes. The bounding boxes may be variable sized to improve accuracy and compression. Absolute map coordinate data is compressed by converting it to relative map coordinate data. Map files are named in a descriptive manner to allow determination of map file characteristics merely by inspecting the file name. Relative map coordinate data can be displayed without being converted to absolute map coordinate data. Alternately, relative map coordinate data may be quickly decompressed into absolute coordinate data. Retrieving compressed data is facilitated by forming view windows having adjacent load regions pre-decompressed and ready for user display.

Abstract: A surgical system and the associated methods for use in Minimally Invasive Surgical procedures for use in the short- and long-term termination of signals through nerves. Such a procedure is an improvement over the current state-of-the-art because of the use of a tightly coupled single-needle bi-polar probe. The proximity of both electrodes, to the nerve or tissue targeted for the treatment, is such that it reduces the losses experienced with external electrodes (e.g. plates or probes). Further, the probe has features associated with locating the probe and dispensing or sampling far above the probes currently available. The resulting improvements provide a quantum leap in technology for the associated medical industries and a base line for these procedures in the future.

Abstract: A game system that converts golf ranges, practice cages and fields, and sports arenas into a competitive and entertaining group activity, improving the players skills of the game while making it more fun to do so. The system comprises a game engine or computer, a plurality of targets, sound reinforcement, and an optional scoreboard. The optional scoreboard, much like those used in baseball or football, provides mass communications of ongoing scores and time remaining. The sound reinforcement provides a parallel form of the same of similar information and the sound effects associated with target impact and game success. These elements can be connected together by wire, or wireless means. This combination allows for the teaching and support of the games by means of sound and visual communications, which provides the player with all the instructions, game status and rewards.